Matthew Whitton

Being new to my role, Duncan was paramount in leading a change in my behaviour from operational to long term strategy and vision. He asked the right questions while challenging my thinking on leadership. Duncan was focused on me and my personal style which has seen considerable growth in both my thinking and confidence as a leader.

Matthew Whitton, Director, NSW Fair Trading.

Participant in the Leading Executive Program with the Leadership Academy

Gravitas, the X factor of leadership, can be cultivated

Executive coach Tom Loncar (writing in the Australian Financial Review, Apr 21 2016) reports that gravitas was found among CEOs to be the dominant "pillar" of executive presence, and that gravitas can be developed.

Leaders who demonstrate gravitas impress us in how they hold themselves, how they listen, what they say – and don't say. They show calmness rather than histrionics. In such a person's presence, we feel assured and engaged.

Susannah le Bron

Duncan Sutherland has been my coach through the Premiers Leadership Academy for the last 7 months. Immediately Duncan established a professional rapport with me and encouraged me to explore areas of my Leadership styles that had not been challenged before. I have had the opportunity in my career to have many coaches and this has been unique due to the experience and style of coaching Duncan offers. I would strongly recommend anyone who is has consistently applied tried and tested leadership and achieved results but has a desire to push their limits and explore the opportunities unknown, to engage with Duncan, as he will definitely open your mind to your broader capabilities.

Self Management

Coaching begins with increasing your clarity of understanding about self-awareness. Knowing yourself, your preferences and how you relate to the other people in your life is fundamental to the coaching process.

Steven Covey's book The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People identifies Habits 1-3 being directed at self-management. Covey asserts that its not possible to manage others effectively until you can manage yourself.

International management expert Peter Drucker has written a seminal article in the Harvard Business Review called Managing Oneself. Read Drucker's article 197 KB